Narrowed It Down To Mule 610

[Milo]

So I've been looking to replace one of our atv's with a UTV. After measuring a lot of the trails I've made to ride on, there's just no way the larger UTV's will fit without some serious chain sawing. Plus the 52" width of the 610 Mule will fit in my '04 Tundra. I wish there were more choices of 50-52" UTV's. I read here that Kubota may have one but not for a year. Darn.
The negative that I've heard on the 610's is that the brakes take a lot of effort (I hope I can somehow improve it) and of course the 25mph top speed which shouldn't be an issue for me the way it'll be used. Around here the '07's are pretty much gone and the '08's are just trickling in. I must say I've not been too sucessful finding a great deal yet.

 

[darkday]

What about a RZR how big are those ?

 

[Milo]

You're right, the RZR is 50" but to be honest I didn't seriously consider it. It is much more of a high performance utv than I would be able to take advantage of. And not as convenient to work with; smaller bed and more awkward when repeatedly needing to get on and off.
It looks like an awsome machine, I'd love to play, I mean test drive, one somewhere for an afternoon!

 

[TWO GUNS]

The question is, are you in a bind for a utv. Reason being, the small wait for a Kubota 500 will be worth the wait, and from some good sources, it's not going to be a year, it will be in 2008 spring - summer >>>>>>

I know it's going to have the RTV transmission, 51-52" wide & 72" tall
And of couse, it's going to have the Kubota quality, same as the 900 & 1100 series units >>>>> The smaller version RTV is gas, EFI engine.

If the RTV 500 is just half the unit that the other RTV's Kubota produces,
it's going to be one heck of a machine. Just in a smaller package !!!!!!

In situations like this, the wait will be WORTH it for sure >>>>>>>

 

[Milo]

The question is, are you in a bind for a utv. Reason being, the small wait for a Kubota 500 will be worth the wait, and from some good sources, it's not going to be a year, it will be in 2008 spring - summer >>>>>>

I know it's going to have the RTV transmission, 51-52" wide & 72" tall
And of couse, it's going to have the Kubota quality, same as the 900 & 1100 series units >>>>> The smaller version RTV is gas, EFI engine.

If the RTV 500 is just half the unit that the other RTV's Kubota produces,
it's going to be one heck of a machine. Just in a smaller package !!!!!!

In situations like this, the wait will be WORTH it for sure >>>>>>>

This is not what I need to hear now! But thanks! So here I am with money burning a hole in my pocket and not willing to wait a year even for the new Kubota. (I love my B7500) Now you say I just have to wait 3/4 year.
What I think I may do is still buy the 610 in order to have the use of it. That is *if* I can land a decent deal, say $6,200-$6,300 (there's no sales tax here). Then I could sell it in a year and get the Kubota with out losing too much.

 

[Librarian]

This is not what I need to hear now! But thanks! So here I am with money burning a hole in my pocket and not willing to wait a year even for the new Kubota. (I love my B7500) Now you say I just have to wait 3/4 year.
What I think I may do is still buy the 610 in order to have the use of it. That is *if* I can land a decent deal, say $6,200-$6,300 (there's no sales tax here). Then I could sell it in a year and get the Kubota with out losing too much.

I'm sure the Kubota will be a heck of a machine, but don't discount the 610. I've had mine for two years and it has been competely reliable. I use it to trail ride, deer hunt, plow snow, spread salt, and drive it all over our little village with not law enforcement hassles at all. I've pulled a grain wagon with 65 bushels of corn and had no problems. In addition, I used it with a Swisher Trail 60 finish mower to mow my yard until August when I bought a used ZTR mower. In my trail riding, it has always gone where I've asked it to go and much of my trail riding is done in the rugged country of eastern Kentucky. As for price, I paid 6299 +tax for mine. One place where you can read about what others think of the 610 is here: RUV - Recreational Utility Vehicles - UtilityOffRoad.com

They have a Mule specific discussion board there as well as boards for the RTV, Rhino, JD Gator, Polaris, etc.

The 610 is about 14 hp, and weighs 980lbs. If the Kubota is 15.8 hp and weighs like other Kubotas (read that heavy), then the hp difference will be pretty much a wash.

Don Williams a.k.a. Librarian

 

[Skyco]

The new Kubota weighs 1278 lbs. Kub about 80 lbs per hp Mule about 70 lbs per hp. I suspect the hydrostatic trans in the Kub may also be less efficient but I don't know that for sure.

 

[Ricochet]

The new Kubota weighs 1278 lbs. Kub about 80 lbs per hp Mule about 70 lbs per hp. I suspect the hydrostatic trans in the Kub may also be less efficient but I don't know that for sure.

The Mule 610 has 13hp so they are bascially a wash in power to weight. The 610 is a great machine, and the RTV500 will be worth looking at come next summer...when you can trade-in the 610 for a RTV500 (that's what my grandpa and I plan to do).

 

[scesnick]

I have a Rhino and it has been a great machine around the farm and especially plowing my 2.5 mile driveway in the winter but i think i am going to replace it with one of these. They are HALF the price of a Rhino, are the same width and already have a cab and a heater. They also have a 6 ft bed for hauling in the firewood and the sides fold down for bigger loads.
Something to consider.....

 

[Milo]

Thanks Librarian, Skyco, and Ricochet,
Right now the 2007 610's are pretty scarce and the 2008's are "a way's off" according to a couple dealers. I'm still determined to find one for $6300 or wait for the RTV 500. My *only* concern with the Mule 610 is the brakes. I've heard many complain you almost have to stand on them to slow down. I don't have much ground that is level so high effort brakes would be a problem. That would be a non issue for the hydro RTV 500.
Has anyone done any mods to the 610 to make the brakes effective crawling down steep terrain? Or are the brakes as bad as some say? I've not had the opportunity to even ride one.

 

[scesnick]

try asking your question here: RUV - Recreational Utility Vehicles - UtilityOffRoad.com

 

[Podunkadunk]

Milo,
My wife and I bought an '07 Mule 610 back in August. Since then, it's got 40 hours on it. It's a solid machine and I think you'll be happy with it. We paid 6300.00 for it out the door and bought it in Lagrange, Georgia. Since I have a "4-wheeler" already, it was the rational choice for the more strenuous chores around here.

My neighbor has one, he bought it used a few years ago...it's beat to heck (appearance), but runs like a champ and he says he's never done anything to it but GAS IT UP ! I took that as never doing ANY maintenance on it...he said I was correct. I don't agree with not doing proper preventive maintenance IAW the owner manual, but it's a testament to how tough it is!!!!.
He uses it daily for chores around his farm.

Since getting ours, another neighbor has purchased one. They love it, but have a loud sound coming from the engine/tranny area when in low gear and 4x4. If they aren't in 4x4, there's no obnoxious sound...they have already scheduled it for service work at a local dealer... the warranty will cover it.

Here are some "issues" about the machine, but by far...not mechanical problems:
-The brakes are good, but yes, on steep inclines, they do require a little more force. Hey, if my wife can use them with no problem with 400lbs of horse feed in the bed, anyone can!
-It's a little "cold natured", but using the choke on the first start of the day and subsequent starts if it's been a while since it ran, (even on warmer days), solves the problem.
-Sometimes after the first start of the day, it doesn't want to go into reverse or high gear. After doing a little reading around the 'net, I found the solution: If it doesn't want to go into gear, don't force it, just rev it up once in neutral, let it rev down, then it'll go into whatever gear you want. Still, not a problem, just annoying sometimes.

That's it. Most are not really issues in my book, but felt you needed an honest appraisal. If I were in the market again, I'd buy another one.

It's a great machine and in 4x4 and low gear it's got a lot of torque and I've yet to get it stuck, but as we know anything can be stuck!

We have steep hills and a creek on our property. It performs well on both terrains.

Good luck and for the money, it's a good choice.

Podunk

 

[Ricochet]

Thanks Librarian, Skyco, and Ricochet,
Right now the 2007 610's are pretty scarce and the 2008's are "a way's off" according to a couple dealers. I'm still determined to find one for $6300 or wait for the RTV 500. My *only* concern with the Mule 610 is the brakes. I've heard many complain you almost have to stand on them to slow down. I don't have much ground that is level so high effort brakes would be a problem. That would be a non issue for the hydro RTV 500.
Has anyone done any mods to the 610 to make the brakes effective crawling down steep terrain? Or are the brakes as bad as some say? I've not had the opportunity to even ride one.

Yes, that is true about the 610 Mule's brake...I'll PM you more.

 

[Milo]

Podunk,

I've never driven a 610 so your thorough evaluation is appreciated! You're right, if your wife can brake the loaded 610 down hill. the brakes can't be *that* bad. I just need to find one around here!

Milo

 

[Oleozz]

Have you looked at Ridersville Cycle in Berkley Springs? They have very good prices on the Mules.

 

[Librarian]

As for the brakes, I have found that after a period of break in (about 60 hours), the brakes seem to work better and with a little less force than when my mule was new. They still require some force, but even on a very steep hill, they will do the job.

As has been mentioned by others on this thread, one 610 sometimes begets another one or two. When I first took mine to my father-in-law's place in KY, the old guy who mows his yard went out and traded his 4 wheeler on one the day after I went home. He loves his 610 and soon after he got his, one of his neighbors bought one too.

BTW, I am taking delivery of a soft cab for my 610 on friday. It is made by a company in Flemingsburg, KY. When I've installed and used it (deer season coming up), I'll post a review. Here's a link to their web site:
Home

They make enclosures for a number of utility vehicles.

Don Williams a.k.a. Librarian

 

[scesnick]

librarian,

That is a nice cab. Not sure i am a big fan of the plastic windshield though. It wouldn't work for me because I am always in the woods. I built my windshield out of 1/4" aluminum channel and the took it to the auto glass shop to fit th e glass. Cost me $75 total. I then bought some doors ( with a frame ) from Tommy Toppers and then I bought the top from Kart Accessories for $79. Not sure if they have cabs for a Mule 610 but I'm guessing they do.

 

[GeneD14]

We have had a 610 MUle for 2.5 years now and love it! We have built a new home and barn this year and the Mule has been our most valuable tool. We even used it to pull a drag to smooth the topsoil for our new lawn and pull the broadcast seeder to plant 2 1/2 acres.
All we have to do is put gas in it, never any mechanical issues.
I can't praise it enough. For doing chores it is excellent. For wild off roading I would get a more high performance model.

 

[okie350]

I have had mine for 2.5 years, and have 350 hours on it. I would be lost with out it. Only thing i have had (still do) is sometimes I have to tap the brake pedal a couple of time when starting it, there is a short in the safety switch that ties in with the brakes, no bid deal makes it seem like a low battery or bad starter, but its not.

For you guys that have the 610, when you are driving on the road at full speed do you ever get a loud chatter in the front end? especially going down hill?

 

[rapracing]

I was just at a dealer in central Pa on Tuesday who had 8 or 10 or the 610 and 6 or 7 3010, all '07. If you are interested in driving that far let me know